As the 2026 AFL season kicks off with all 18 teams having completed their Round 1 matches, the excitement of footy is tempered by the inevitable injury concerns. Here’s the latest on the injury front from across the league, as clubs navigate the early challenges of the season.
Saints Face Mixed Fortunes
St Kilda’s campaign has hit an early hurdle with midfielder Jack Macrae set to miss at least two weeks due to an MCL sprain. Meanwhile, forward Liam Ryan, who took a spectacular high fly, has been cleared of serious shoulder damage but needs to pass fitness tests before returning. Similarly, Mattaes Phillipou is recovering from a corked quad, and ruckman Rowan Marshall is progressing through concussion protocols.
Brisbane’s Boost and Geelong’s Concerns
Brisbane is set to welcome back key players Hugh McCluggage and Logan Morris for Round 3. McCluggage missed the clash against the Swans with a calf injury, while Morris was sidelined with a hand issue. Additionally, Darcy Gardiner will return from suspension to face St Kilda. Tom Doedee’s recovery from wrist and knee issues is on track, adding to the Lions’ optimism.
Meanwhile, Geelong’s James Worpel is listed as a test for their Round 3 encounter with Adelaide. The Cats, who enjoyed a bye due to their Opening Round participation, are hopeful Worpel will overcome a finger injury. Tyson Stengle is on an individualized program as he returns from personal leave.
North Melbourne’s Selection Dilemmas
North Melbourne’s selection committee faces a pleasant headache with George Wardlaw, Charlie Spargo, and Riley Hardeman all available for senior selection after overcoming pre-season injuries. Head of performance Kevin White confirmed their readiness, stating, “George completed a game-loading football conditioning session over the weekend and passed all strength testing metrics.”
Collingwood’s Injury Assessments
Collingwood is hopeful that their Round 2 bye will provide enough recovery time for premiership duo Darcy Moore and Jeremy Howe, both nursing calf injuries. A club statement indicated that their availability for Round 3 against GWS will be assessed next week. Additionally, Reef McInnes is 2-4 weeks away from returning after an ACL injury.
Challenges for Adelaide and Fremantle
Adelaide’s Sid Draper continues to grapple with injury setbacks, having rolled his ankle in a recent SANFL game. Crows General Manager of High Performance Ian McKeown noted, “Sid will be monitored throughout the week to get an accurate timeline for his return.”
Fremantle will be without Brennan Cox and Jaeger O’Meara for their Round 2 clash with Melbourne due to calf and hamstring injuries, respectively.
Essendon and GWS Updates
Essendon’s Isaac Kako is set to make his season debut after being cleared of a hamstring injury, while defender Jordan Ridley needs another week to recover from a calf issue.
GWS defender Harry Himmelberg is doubtful for the match against St Kilda after a collision left him with a split chin requiring stitches. Toby Bedford and Brent Daniels are progressing through modified training, with Bedford potentially returning next week against Collingwood.
Richmond’s Reinforcements
Richmond has received a significant boost with the return of premiership players Nick Vlastuin and Dion Prestia. Vlastuin, after a conservative management period, is set to face the Gold Coast Suns. High performance manager Ben Serpell emphasized the strategic approach, stating, “He’s such an important player in our team, and we thought we’d get some more training into him.”
However, the Tigers will miss Rhyan Mansell, who suffered a wrist fracture and is expected to be sidelined for up to a month.
As the AFL season progresses, clubs will continue to manage their rosters carefully, balancing the excitement of competition with the realities of player health and recovery. Fans will be eagerly watching to see how these developments impact their teams’ fortunes in the coming weeks.
